Ford on Friday launched a software development kit (SDK) so developers can tailor their smartphone apps for voice recognition and in-car usage.

The automaker, which made the announcement at CTIA, said it is looking to build an ecosystem for its Ford Sync system, which primarily depends on voice recognition.

Ford's game plan is pretty clear: Leverage existing apps its drivers already know and make them car friendly.

According to the company, mobile developers seem to be into the in-car experience. Ford says it has reviewed more than 1,000 submissions from developers submitting new apps or modifying existing ones. Ford also launched a developer Web site.

Pandora, Stitcher and Orangatame's OpenBeak are the first partners to incorporate Sync's application interface.